“A Whale of a Tale” – and More than Meets the Eye By Pastor Dan Kennedy © May 28, 2017 www.pastorkennedy.com Sometimes a Children’s Bible Story book may entitle the story of Jonah, “A Whale of a Tale.” It may be a fun title, but it incorporates two misconceptions – 1. It is a misconception that the “big fish” was a “whale” – which may or may not have been the case (ancient fish could be huge. “Megalodon” sharks, for instance, from their fossils are known to be 65+ feet long, weighing some 60-70+ tons. “Megalodon’s ate whales for breakfast.”[1]) (A quick search will also find modern day encounters with large descendants.) 2. The use of the term “tale” infers that the story is not necessarily a true story! Jesus, though, confirmed the truth of the story of Jonah in the fish’s belly for three days…comparing Jonah’s experience to Jesus’ coming death and burial for three days in the heart of the earth (Matt. 12:40). Jonah Running From God Doesn’t Work 1 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish.” 7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” 9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.” 10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” 12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried to the Lord, “O Lord, please do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. 17 But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. Agonizing Prayer Happens when Situations prove Desperate 2 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2 He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. 3 You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. 4 I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ 5 The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. 6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. 7 “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. 8 “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. 9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.” 10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Note: Jonah was active as God’s prophet all of his ministry life but especially during the reign of the second King Jeroboam (c.786–746 BC).[2] Jonah heard the call from God to preach repentance in Nineveh, but instead he angrily left home in Gath-hepher and went to Joppa (the opposite way from Nineveh) and bought his ticket to go to Tarshish (in Spain) on a ship moored in Joppa’s harbor. The ship was on its way before the crew encountered the massive storm, and threw Jonah overboard, to save everyone’s life. If the great fish that swallowed Jonah carried him and deposited him somewhere around Tyre or anywhere along the coast, it was still a long walk to Nineveh. The trip from Tyre to Nineveh is almost 1,000 miles by modern day roads. At 20-30 miles a day, to walk 1,000 miles to reach Nineveh would take a month or more on hot, dusty and treacherous roads. Jonah not only had a horrifically bumpy ride in the belly of the fish for three days and nights (where Jonah contemplated his imminent death), he also had a long walk to consider his rebellion against God, his anger against Nineveh, God’s discipline of him, and the message God had given him to preach, with the possible outcomes to follow. Choosing to Repent and Obey Jonah 3 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. God’s Call for Nineveh’s Repentance Nineveh’s Sins · A wicked city (Jonah 1:2; 3:2) · A History of Defying Israel’s God – “Plotting evil against the Lord” (Nah. 1:9,11; 2 Kings 19:22-24), · Known to have Inhumane cruelty and plundering in wartime (Nah. 2:12–13; 3:1, 19), · Pervasive prostitution and witchcraft (Nah. 3:4), · Commercial exploitation (Nah. 3:19). · Zephaniah assails Nineveh’s inhabitants’ arrogance (Zeph. 2:13–15).[3] Potentially Corresponding Events and Phenomena at Nineveh During Jonah’s Ministry Jonah was active throughout his life as God’s prophet, but was recorded particularly during the reign of the second King Jeroboam (786–746 BC). [4] I believe God allowed a series of events to prepare the people of Nineveh for Jonah’s message of Repentance. · Guilt for their sin against God and His people (see Nineveh’s Sins, above). · Assyria was led by weak rulers between 782 BC and 745 BC, and was threatened by mountain tribes from the north who had driven their frontiers within a hundred miles of the capital. [5] · An exceptional and ominous total solar eclipse in 763 B.C. [6] (This was one of the 8 most famous total eclipses in history, in its maximum eclipse, lasted for 5 minutes.) Assyrian Eclipse “In 763 B.C., the Assyrian empire, which occupied what is now Iraq, the sun was completely eclipsed for 5 minutes. Early records from the period mention the eclipse in the same passage as an insurrection in the city of Ashur, now known as Qal'at Sherqat in Iraq, suggesting that the ancient people linked the two in their minds.”[7] Many of the unaware and superstitious Assyrians, who worshipped the “moon god,” must have stared in amazement at the phenomena happening to the moon and sun during this long total eclipse and thousands may have had their vision seriously impaired and even totally lost their sight. This visual impairment followed them until the end of their life, which would reinforce the message of judgment proclaimed by Jonah. [Note: At Jesus’ Crucifixion, the heaven and earth also experienced one of the 8 Eclipses, modern day astronomers consider extraordinary in the world’s history. “The Christian gospels say that the sky was darkened for hours after the crucifixion of Jesus, which historians viewed either as a miracle or a portent of dark times to come. Later historians used astronomy to pinpoint the death of Christ based on this eclipse mention. Some historians tie the crucifixion to a total solar eclipse lasting 1 minute and 59 seconds that occurred in the year 29 C.E.; others say a second total eclipse, blocking the sun for 4 minutes and 6 seconds, in 33 C.E., marked Jesus' death.”[8]] · Flooding and famine followed the Assyrian eclipse. [9] · Earthquake: Three years following the extraordinary total eclipse of the sun, the Old Testament records a severe Middle East earthquake during the reign of King Uzziah (ca. 760 B.C.), referencing God’s judgement on those disobedient to God as identified throughout the book of Amos (Amos 1:1 and Zech. 14:5).[10] · Those in Nineveh repented of their sins before God. o There are no records of the dates that Jonah preached repentance in Nineveh. o The revelation of natural phenomena during that time and in that region, are a compelling addition to the dire message of the Lord given to Jonah. o These together, may have been used by God to bring the Ninevites, with the powerful conviction of the Holy Spirit, to take the steps of National repentance (Lk. 11:30-32; Mt. 12:40-41). · Jesus declared that at the final judgment, because of the Ninevites’ repentance, the Ninevites (Gk. Nineuitai) would rise in condemnation of the Pharisees’ generation who did not repent when Christ the Messiah was born to live among them (Matt. 12:41 par. Luke 11:32 [KJV “Nineve”]). [11] Jonah 3:4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. Repentance · Circumstances Cautioning Us, often with Dire Consequences – sometimes unique to each individual; sometimes there may be a National effect, which precede a spiritual awakening shaking us out of our lethargy and complacency toward God. · Comprehension of God’s Word against sin, with serious outcome if there is no repentance (Prophet Jonah’s Message). · Conviction of Sin by the Holy Spirit – sorrow and brokenness, leading to true repentance. (James 4:7-10) · Contrition before God – humbling ourselves before God. (James 4:7-10) · Confession of Sin, before God, and as appropriate, to others. (1 John 1:9) · Cleansing from Sin, by the Blood of Jesus Christ and transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:7; John 3:3,16; Titus 3:5-6) · Choosing against Continuing Sin’s Practice – Turning Away from Sin in the life of those who have truly chosen repentance. Dying to sin; living unto God. (Gal. 2:20; 5:19-26; James 1-5) Repentance of Kings of Israel and Judah National repentance was led by Josiah (2 Ki. 22–23; 2 Ch. 34–35). There were exceptional times of personal repentance by notably wicked kings who repented of their sins and returned to God. o Ahab, a wicked king who repented, but whose sins brought about serious consequences. (1 Kings 21:20-29) o Manasseh, a wicked king who repented, but the outcome of whose previous sins eventually brought destruction on Israel. (2 Chron. 33:10-20) Hearing and Responding to the Message of Repentance John the Baptist Prepared the Way for the Messiah with a Message of Repentance Matthew 3:1-12 3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 3:4–12 John the Baptist’s Message of Repentance 4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” John the Baptist Prepared the Way for the Messiah with a Message of Repentance - Matthew 3:1-12 ~ Those in Israel who responded to John’s message… ~ Repented of their sins ~ Were open and prepared to receive the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, ~ Were transformed at the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ message to His disciples following His Resurrection, just before His ascension. Luke 24:46–47 46 He (Jesus) told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Acts 2:37–38 (Peter’s message at Pentecost) 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 20:21 (Paul’s message to the churches) 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. · Repentance – A Foundational Message of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles · Salvation – The Provision of Salvation through the Atoning Sacrifice of the Blood of Jesus Christ, Messiah, God the Son. · Transformation and Empowerment – The Power of Transformation through the Holy Spirit. The Joy of Repentance Jesus’ Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son all centered on Repentance of just one, and the rejoicing in heaven because of it (Luke 15). Luke 15:10 10 “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The Prodigal Son Luke 15:17–19 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’” A Prayer of Repentance Luke 18:9–14 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector 9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Do we need to experience National Disasters or personal catastrophic events before we recognize our need to repent of our sinful ways before God? What is the absolute best way that a person should live his or her life? Living a life honorable and pleasing to God; turning from sin and yielding to God’s Holy Spirit and being true to God’s Word is the best way to live! What is the worst way for a person to live his or her life? To live for one’s self, defying God, and reaping the natural and eternal consequences of destruction is the worst way to live. Esau could not bring himself to truly repent…though he tearfully sought his blessing. Hebrews 12:16–17 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. Repent and Come to Jesus! Give Your Life to Jesus! Live Your Life for Jesus! John 3:16 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Romans 10:9–13 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The Lord’s Compassion is Everlasting! Jonah 4:10-11 The Lord said… “Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Isaiah 30:15 15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, … but you would have none of it.” Ezekiel 18:23 23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? Jeremiah 18:7–12 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it. 11 “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.’ 12 But they will reply, ‘It’s no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.’” Ezekiel 18:30–32 30 “Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! 2 Peter 3:9 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ~ Do you recognize the mighty power and awesome Holiness of our Creator God? ~ Are you convicted of your sin before this awesome God? ~ Are you willing to turn from your sin and choose to follow God? [1] https://www.fossilera.com/pages/megalodon [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah [3] Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 765). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah [5] Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible reader’s companion (electronic ed., p. 549). Wheaton: Victor Books. [6] Wiseman, D. J. (1996). Nineveh. In D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, & J. I. Packer (Eds.), New Bible dictionary (3rd ed., p. 826). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. [7] http://www.space.com/35726-famous-solar-eclipses.html [8] Ibid. [9] Wiseman, D. J. (1996). Nineveh. In D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, & J. I. Packer (Eds.), New Bible dictionary (3rd ed., p. 826). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. [10] Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 299). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. [11] Ibid.

“A Whale of a Tale” – and More than Meets the Eye

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

Sometimes a Children’s Bible Story book may entitle the story of Jonah, “A Whale of a Tale.” It may be a fun title, but it incorporates two misconceptions –

1. It is a misconception that the “big fish” was a “whale” – which may or may not have been the case (ancient fish could be huge. “Megalodon” sharks, for instance, from their fossils are known to be 65+ feet long, weighing some 60-70+ tons. “Megalodon’s ate whales for breakfast.”[1]) (A quick search will also find modern day encounters with large descendants.)

2. The use of the term “tale” infers that the story is not necessarily a true story! Jesus, though, confirmed the truth of the story of Jonah in the fish’s belly for three days…comparing Jonah’s experience to Jesus’ coming death and burial for three days in the heart of the earth (Matt. 12:40).

Jonah

Running From God Doesn’t Work

1 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.

But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish.”

7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.

8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?”

9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”

10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)

11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?”

12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”

13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried to the Lord, “O Lord, please do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.

17 But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.

Agonizing Prayer Happens when Situations prove Desperate

2 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2 He said:

“In my distress I called to the Lord,

and he answered me.

From the depths of the grave I called for help,

and you listened to my cry.

3 You hurled me into the deep,

into the very heart of the seas,

and the currents swirled about me;

all your waves and breakers

swept over me.

4 I said, ‘I have been banished

from your sight;

yet I will look again

toward your holy temple.’

5 The engulfing waters threatened me,

the deep surrounded me;

seaweed was wrapped around my head.

6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;

the earth beneath barred me in forever.

But you brought my life up from the pit,

O Lord my God.

7 “When my life was ebbing away,

I remembered you, Lord,

and my prayer rose to you,

to your holy temple.

8 “Those who cling to worthless idols

forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving,

will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

Salvation comes from the Lord.”

10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Note: Jonah was active as God’s prophet all of his ministry life but especially during the reign of the second King Jeroboam (c.786–746 BC).[2] Jonah heard the call from God to preach repentance in Nineveh, but instead he angrily left home in Gath-hepher and went to Joppa (the opposite way from Nineveh) and bought his ticket to go to Tarshish (in Spain) on a ship moored in Joppa’s harbor. The ship was on its way before the crew encountered the massive storm, and threw Jonah overboard, to save everyone’s life. If the great fish that swallowed Jonah carried him and deposited him somewhere around Tyre or anywhere along the coast, it was still a long walk to Nineveh. The trip from Tyre to Nineveh is almost 1,000 miles by modern day roads. At 20-30 miles a day, to walk 1,000 miles to reach Nineveh would take a month or more on hot, dusty and treacherous roads. Jonah not only had a horrifically bumpy ride in the belly of the fish for three days and nights (where Jonah contemplated his imminent death), he also had a long walk to consider his rebellion against God, his anger against Nineveh, God’s discipline of him, and the message God had given him to preach, with the possible outcomes to follow.

Choosing to Repent and Obey

Jonah 3 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth.

God’s Call for Nineveh’s Repentance

Nineveh’s Sins

· A wicked city (Jonah 1:2; 3:2)

· A History of Defying Israel’s God – “Plotting evil against the Lord” (Nah. 1:9,11; 2 Kings 19:22-24),

· Known to have Inhumane cruelty and plundering in wartime (Nah. 2:12–13; 3:1, 19),

· Pervasive prostitution and witchcraft (Nah. 3:4),

· Commercial exploitation (Nah. 3:19).

· Zephaniah assails Nineveh’s inhabitants’ arrogance (Zeph. 2:13–15).[3]

Potentially Corresponding Events and Phenomena at Nineveh During Jonah’s Ministry

Jonah was active throughout his life as God’s prophet, but was recorded particularly during the reign of the second King Jeroboam (786–746 BC). [4] I believe God allowed a series of events to prepare the people of Nineveh for Jonah’s message of Repentance.

· Guilt for their sin against God and His people (see Nineveh’s Sins, above).

· Assyria was led by weak rulers between 782 BC and 745 BC, and was threatened by mountain tribes from the north who had driven their frontiers within a hundred miles of the capital. [5]

· An exceptional and ominous total solar eclipse in 763 B.C. [6] (This was one of the 8 most famous total eclipses in history, in its maximum eclipse, lasted for 5 minutes.)

Assyrian Eclipse

“In 763 B.C., the Assyrian empire, which occupied what is now Iraq, the sun was completely eclipsed for 5 minutes. Early records from the period mention the eclipse in the same passage as an insurrection in the city of Ashur, now known as Qal'at Sherqat in Iraq, suggesting that the ancient people linked the two in their minds.”[7]

Many of the unaware and superstitious Assyrians, who worshipped the “moon god,” must have stared in amazement at the phenomena happening to the moon and sun during this long total eclipse and thousands may have had their vision seriously impaired and even totally lost their sight. This visual impairment followed them until the end of their life, which would reinforce the message of judgment proclaimed by Jonah.

[Note: At Jesus’ Crucifixion, the heaven and earth also experienced one of the 8 Eclipses, modern day astronomers consider extraordinary in the world’s history.

“The Christian gospels say that the sky was darkened for hours after the crucifixion of Jesus, which historians viewed either as a miracle or a portent of dark times to come. Later historians used astronomy to pinpoint the death of Christ based on this eclipse mention. Some historians tie the crucifixion to a total solar eclipse lasting 1 minute and 59 seconds that occurred in the year 29 C.E.; others say a second total eclipse, blocking the sun for 4 minutes and 6 seconds, in 33 C.E., marked Jesus' death.”[8]]

· Flooding and famine followed the Assyrian eclipse. [9]

· Earthquake: Three years following the extraordinary total eclipse of the sun, the Old Testament records a severe Middle East earthquake during the reign of King Uzziah (ca. 760 B.C.), referencing God’s judgement on those disobedient to God as identified throughout the book of Amos (Amos 1:1 and Zech. 14:5).[10]

· Those in Nineveh repented of their sins before God.

o There are no records of the dates that Jonah preached repentance in Nineveh.

o The revelation of natural phenomena during that time and in that region, are a compelling addition to the dire message of the Lord given to Jonah.

o These together, may have been used by God to bring the Ninevites, with the powerful conviction of the Holy Spirit, to take the steps of National repentance (Lk. 11:30-32; Mt. 12:40-41).

· Jesus declared that at the final judgment, because of the Ninevites’ repentance, the Ninevites (Gk. Nineuitai) would rise in condemnation of the Pharisees’ generation who did not repent when Christ the Messiah was born to live among them (Matt. 12:41 par. Luke 11:32 [KJV “Nineve”]). [11]

Jonah 3:4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh:

“By the decree of the king and his nobles:

Do not let any man or beast herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.

Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

Repentance

· Circumstances Cautioning Us, often with Dire Consequences – sometimes unique to each individual; sometimes there may be a National effect, which precede a spiritual awakening shaking us out of our lethargy and complacency toward God.

· Comprehension of God’s Word against sin, with serious outcome if there is no repentance (Prophet Jonah’s Message).

· Conviction of Sin by the Holy Spirit – sorrow and brokenness, leading to true repentance. (James 4:7-10)

· Contrition before God – humbling ourselves before God. (James 4:7-10)

· Confession of Sin, before God, and as appropriate, to others. (1 John 1:9)

· Cleansing from Sin, by the Blood of Jesus Christ and transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:7; John 3:3,16; Titus 3:5-6)

· Choosing against Continuing Sin’s Practice – Turning Away from Sin in the life of those who have truly chosen repentance. Dying to sin; living unto God. (Gal. 2:20; 5:19-26; James 1-5)

Repentance of Kings of Israel and Judah

• National repentance was led by Josiah (2 Ki. 22–23; 2 Ch. 34–35).
• There were exceptional times of personal repentance by notably wicked kings who repented of their sins and returned to God.

o Ahab, a wicked king who repented, but whose sins brought about serious consequences. (1 Kings 21:20-29)

o Manasseh, a wicked king who repented, but the outcome of whose previous sins eventually brought destruction on Israel. (2 Chron. 33:10-20)

Hearing and Responding to the Message of Repentance

John the Baptist Prepared the Way for the Messiah with a Message of Repentance

Matthew 3:1-12

3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Matthew 3:4–12 John the Baptist’s Message of Repentance

4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

John the Baptist Prepared the Way for the Messiah with a Message of Repentance - Matthew 3:1-12

~ Those in Israel who responded to John’s message…

~ Repented of their sins

~ Were open and prepared to receive the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God,

~ Were transformed at the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ message to His disciples following His Resurrection, just before His ascension.

Luke 24:46–47

46 He (Jesus) told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 2:37–38 (Peter’s message at Pentecost)

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:21 (Paul’s message to the churches)

21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

· Repentance – A Foundational Message of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles

· Salvation – The Provision of Salvation through the Atoning Sacrifice of the Blood of Jesus Christ, Messiah, God the Son.

· Transformation and Empowerment – The Power of Transformation through the Holy Spirit.

The Joy of Repentance

Jesus’ Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son all centered on Repentance of just one, and the rejoicing in heaven because of it (Luke 15).

Luke 15:10

10 “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Prodigal Son

Luke 15:17–19

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’”

A Prayer of Repentance

Luke 18:9–14

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Do we need to experience National Disasters or personal catastrophic events before we recognize our need to repent of our sinful ways before God?

What is the absolute best way that a person should live his or her life?

• Living a life honorable and pleasing to God; turning from sin and yielding to God’s Holy Spirit and being true to God’s Word is the best way to live!

What is the worst way for a person to live his or her life?

• To live for one’s self, defying God, and reaping the natural and eternal consequences of destruction is the worst way to live.

Esau could not bring himself to truly repent…though he tearfully sought his blessing.

Hebrews 12:16–17

16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.

Repent and Come to Jesus!

Give Your Life to Jesus!

Live Your Life for Jesus!

John 3:16

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 10:9–13

9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Lord’s Compassion is Everlasting!

Jonah 4:10-11 The Lord said… “Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Isaiah 30:15

15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength, …

but you would have none of it.”

Ezekiel 18:23

23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

Jeremiah 18:7–12

7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

11 “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.’ 12 But they will reply, ‘It’s no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”

Ezekiel 18:30–32

30 “Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

~ Do you recognize the mighty power and awesome Holiness of our Creator God?

~ Are you convicted of your sin before this awesome God?

~ Are you willing to turn from your sin and choose to follow God?

[1] https://www.fossilera.com/pages/megalodon

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah

[3] Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 765). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah

[5] Richards, L. O. (1991). The Bible reader’s companion (electronic ed., p. 549). Wheaton: Victor Books.

[6] Wiseman, D. J. (1996). Nineveh. In D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, & J. I. Packer (Eds.), New Bible dictionary (3rd ed., p. 826). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

[7] http://www.space.com/35726-famous-solar-eclipses.html

[8] Ibid.

[9] Wiseman, D. J. (1996). Nineveh. In D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, & J. I. Packer (Eds.), New Bible dictionary (3rd ed., p. 826). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

[10] Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 299). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

[11] Ibid.